Police arrest murder suspect after body found in burnt-out Pearl City apartment

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.

Scott Deangelo, the prime suspect in a second-degree murder investigation involving human remains found in a Pearl City apartment, has been arrested.

The Honolulu Police Department said officers arrested Deangelo around 5:45 p.m. in Laie.

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.

Honolulu police say they are looking for an “armed and dangerous” suspect and have opened a murder investigation after a fire at a Pearl City apartment led to the discovery of human remains Monday night.

Scott Deangelo, 32, is wanted on suspicion of second degree murder after being identified as a suspect in the case, police said this afternoon.

Deangelo, according to CrimeStoppers, fled the scene of the building fire at 906 Lehua Ave., where a male victim was found dead and with “suspicious injuries.”

Deangelo reportedly climbed out of a building window and fled in a white SUV with a gun, which was not recovered.

Honolulu Police Department officials said the victim and Deangelo were acquaintances.

CrimeStoppers and HPD are asking for the public’s help in locating Deangelo, but warned he should be considered “armed and dangerous”.

HPD Homicide Department Lt. Deena Thoemmes said Deangelo’s vehicle was found on the Kamehameha Highway in front of a Hauula residence.

Deangelo has no criminal history in Hawaii, she said.

A preliminary report from the Honolulu Fire Department said the fire was intentionally started, according to the HPD.

HPD did not release additional information about the case, citing the ongoing investigation. No additional information about the victim’s injuries or his relationship to Deangelo has been provided.

CrimeStoppers can be reached at (808) 955-8300, and anonymous web tips can be sent to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or through the P3 Tips app.

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Honolulu police have opened an investigation into an arson and unattended death after human remains were discovered following a Pearl City apartment fire Monday night.

Police and firefighters responded to the building fire at 906 Lehua Avenue at 8:55 p.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke and flames coming from an apartment on the fourth floor of the building, the Honolulu Fire Department said.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 9:18 p.m. and extinguished it soon after.

Human remains were discovered in the unit after the fire was extinguished, police said.

Witnesses reportedly saw an unidentified man jump out of a window and flee in a white SUV, police said.

There are no arrests at this time.

In addition to the unattended death and first-degree arson investigation, police have also opened a reckless endangerment investigation.